Country Music News

THIS DAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(May 23)

Misty Morgan born in Buffalo, N.Y. (1945)

Shelly West born in Cleveland, Ohio (1958)

Jim Reeves' had his first No. 1 single, "Mexican Joe," and made debut on Grand Ole Opry (1953)

K.T. Oslin's "80's Ladies" album certified platinum (1989)

MUSIC AND MORE

BROOKS & DUNN SPARKLE AT ACM AWARDS

It was Brooks & Dunn's night Wednesday at the Academy of Country Music awards in Los Angeles. They picked up three awards to add to the 13 they already have, giving them the most ACM awards of any country artist. Until last night Merle Haggard led the pack.

The duo picked up Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Duo and Video of the Year awards.

Kix Brooks, in accepting his award, told his fans, "Playing for you all is reward enough, but this is incredible."

Alan Jackson also picked up a trio of awards -- Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year for his "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) pegged to Sept. 11.

"I don't feel like I can accept an award for this song without sharing it with, and dedicating it to, the thousands of people -- men, women and children -- who died or suffered and are still suffering because of that cowardly and heartless attack on America and mankind," Jackson said in his acceptance speech.

Martina McBride won Top Female vocalist and Lonestar picked up their fourth ACM award for Top vocal Group. Carol Dawn Johnson was named Top New Female Vocalist and Phil Vassar Top New Male Vocalist. Top album honors went to the film soundtrack "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Reba McEntire, who hosted the three-hour show, received the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, a recognition by fans of her work with health care issues."

CO-WRITER OF "SWINGIN'" DIES

Lionel Delmore, who co-wrote "Swingin'" with John Anderson, has died of cancer in Celina, Tenn. He was 62. Delmore's credits also include Anderson's hits "Low Dog Blues," "The Girl at the End of the Bar," "I Wish I Could Write You a Song" and "Bend It Till It Breaks." Delmore was the son of Alton Delmore, of the Delmore Brothers, a popular singing duo in the 1930s, who were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. "Swingin'" was the Country Music Academy single of the year in 1983.

MONROE'S BIRTHPLACE HOSTS FESTIVAL

The third annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival takes place Memorial Day weekend in Monroe's birthplace of Rosine, Ky. Performers include Rhonda Vincent, Jim and Jesse McReynolds and past members of Monroe's band, The Blue Grass Boys. James Monroe, Bill Monroe's son, hosts the four-day event, which drew a crowd of 3,000 last year.

EVANS' HUSBAND LOSES ELECTION

Sara Evans' husband, Craig Schelske, lost his bid for the Republican nomination in Oregon's 5th Congressional District primary race Tuesday. Following his defeat Schelske told The Oregonian in Portland: "I'm going to sleep well tonight. I'm going to wake up a happy man with a wonderful family and the entire world in front of me."

FAITH HILL DOMINATING VIDEO CHART

Country music queen Faith Hill is dominating the recent City Limit video chart. Although Kenny Chesney is leading the chart with his hit "Young" Hill is right behind in second with "Breathe," third with "There You'll Be," and fourth with "The Way You Love Me," before LeAnn Rimes breaks her streak with "I Need You." After conceding sixth place to Toby Keith and his "How Do You Like Me Now" Hill returns at No. 7 with "This Kiss."

Hill made her country debut in 1993 with "Wild One" and quickly became one of the hottest female artists ever in country music. With her No. 7 hit "This Kiss" Hill recently has added a pop element to her music. The song has won several awards and the album, which includes a duet with husband Tim McGraw, has sold 3 million copies.